TYGERS OF PANTANG spellbound MCL1747

NWOBHM Perfection: Tygers Of Pan Tang’s ‘Spellbound’ (MCL 1747)

Today’s entry focuses on what is arguably the crowning achievement of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal. We are looking at the UK reissue of Spellbound by Tygers Of Pan Tang, released on MCA Records with the catalog number MCL 1747.

The Gold Standard of NWOBHM

Originally released in 1981 (originally catalog number MCF 3104), this album represents the band’s peak lineup. It marked the debut of vocalist Jon Deverill and guitar virtuoso John Sykes (who would later join Thin Lizzy and Whitesnake). The chemistry between Sykes and founding guitarist Robb Weir created a sharper, more aggressive, yet highly melodic sound that defined the era. Produced by the legendary Chris Tsangarides at Morgan Studios, the sound is crisp, punchy, and electric.

The Music

From the opening riff of Gangland, the energy never flags. The album is packed with fast-paced heavy metal anthems like Hellbound and Tyger Bay, which showcase the band’s dual-guitar attack. Mid-tempo tracks like Silver And Gold and the dramatic ballad Mirror display Deverill’s powerful vocal range. For many fans, this record sits comfortably alongside Iron Maiden’s Killers or Saxon’s Wheels of Steel as an essential genre classic.

Collector’s Details

This specific copy is a later UK reissue, indicated by the MCL catalog prefix, which was MCA’s mid-price series.

Pressing:
This edition was pressed at the CBS Pressing Plant in Aston Clinton, often identified by specific runout symbols. The labels feature the classic MCA “Rainbow” design.

Mastering:
Crucially for audiophiles, the runout grooves bear the stamp TOWNHOUSE. This indicates that the lacquer was cut at The Town House studios in London, a facility renowned for producing some of the best-sounding rock records of the 80s.

Packaging:
As a budget-friendly reissue from the era, this version often includes a hype sticker on the front cover advertising “MCA Records (Special Price).”